As he made his way towards the club’s training ground this week, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was asked “when” a transfer target was coming to Old Trafford.
United have already snapped up two big-name signings in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team at INEOS continue their considerable overhaul.
They spent a hefty fee of around £59 million on 18-year-old Yoro, who is expected miss the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign with a foot injury sustained in pre-season.
Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, has not ruled out signing another centre-back before the transfer window closes.
“I think we are occupied [in that position] but we work continually,” he said. “The good thing is we already signed two players, but it belongs to a club like Manchester United that you are still looking.”
Jarrad Branthwaite remains of interest to United, although Everton‘s valuation of £70 million has raised eyebrows.
Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs De Ligt, meanwhile, is believed to be a more realistic target at around £42 million.
Last month, it was reported that United were edging closer to completing a move for De Ligt after Ten Hag stepped up his so-called ‘charm offensive’.
The club have already agreed personal terms with the Dutch defender, who is said to be keen on a reunion with his former boss.
In fact, United were previously optimistic that a deal could be done after Ten Hag spoke to De Ligt about his plans for the upcoming season.
Several weeks later and speculation around a possible deal has not disappeared, especially after Ten Hag was asked by a young fan if De Ligt was on his way to Old Trafford.
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